The Best Burgers in America

Recommendations from the nation's top restaurant critics

M
ark this as an historic moment: Never before in the history of burger reviewing has such an esteemed group of food writers been gathered to reveal their favorite hamburger joints. Epicurious asked renowned restaurant critics from around the country to identify their local hamburger heaven and describe the beef, buns, condiments, and toppings. Some combinations are classically simple (ground chuck on a bun) while others get fancy (want Kobe beef with that?). Buns range from sesame-seed to kaiser roll to rosemary-scented focaccia (nice idea, San Francisco!). Toppings are all over the map, too: There's Gruyère cheese and Kraft American, garlic aïoli and regular mayo, grilled onions and pickle chips, Bacon Bits, horseradish, and, of course, burger's best friend, ketchup.